The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-11-18
The Factory Slave.
BY q. WALDO BROWNE.

The long row of lights from the grim
factory walls threw lurid glare over
the river, even to its farther bank; cast
ing weird fantastic figures in the gloom
of the night, while the hmm of the mill
: wheels kept time with the ceascless
symphony of the rushing waters.
Hardly had the October sun sunk be-
hind the western hills when dull, leaden
clouds came troopng over the sky with
ominous threatenngs of rain.
The streets of NJ had deserted
appearance; only an occasional carriage
being seen, and few pedestrians were
abroad.
One of these last hurriedly crossing
the bridge which spans the river just
below the long row of hills lining its
left bank, suddenly paused in his rapid
progress as light form bounded out
of the shadows into the gaslights
ghostly glare
Coming and going like flash OF sun
light in that night scene. the gentle
man caught the CLEAN of a fair girlish
face and long, golden bair; but the
countenance bore wild. hunted look
and her disheveled tresses streamed in
the wind.
With a low exclamation upon his lips
he peered into the gloom, hoping to
catch another sight of the fleeing one.
Nor did he look in vain, for moment
later she reappeared, seen more plainly
this time in the blaze of the light from
the factory windows
The girl had passed upon point OF
rock which jutted out into the stream.
Her hands were uplifted and her pallid
countenance bore look of despair.
Her voice fell in supplicating tones
upon the night air to be drowned by
the sullen roar of the rushing river,
and the busy factory wheels.
20. Father in heaven! forgive me II
this be wrong, but | am driven to it!
My burdens are more than ! can bear!
In the grave there is rest"
The words reached not the ears OF
the watcher on the bridge, but lie had
read in that woe-begone countenance q
swifter, more emphatic message.
Bounding to the end of the bridge.
he sprang down the embankme mt, re-
gardless of what the consequences
might be to himself. With last wild
look at the gloomy walls looming be-
fore her. the girl leaped from the rock.
Not into the cold embrace of the water
however, the outstretched arms Of he
who had sped to her rescue. caught
her in season to avert so terrible q
fate.
The fall quite took away her breath.
and when she slowly opened her eyes
she found herself lying upon the ground
with some one-a strengthening
over her.
The light fell upon his features, DIS
closing q countenance of manly beauty.
The eyes were fixed upon her with an
earnest look as If their gaze alone
would bring her back to life.
Where am Ip' she faltered, unable
10 comprehend this strange awakening.
"Safe, !" he answered, simply. "Are
you hurtp"
mo. think not. But who are
youp"
"A friend. came none too soon to
save YOU"
Save mep" starting up wildly. her
ha'r falling about her shoulders in a
tangled mass of gold Save mel" she
repeated. 'Oh. remember now! Why
did you Gomez Leave me! l." strug-
ling to break from him.
BE calm" he said. gently. you
do not realize what you are doing.
Would you take your lifep"
LET me go! let me go! l do not want
10 live" she moaned, with frantic ef-
forts TO free herself.
Finding her endeavors futile, how
ever. she finally became calmer.
you will go to your friends now"
he said.
II have no friendsr' was the sad re-
Iply. Il am homeless, friendless and
alone in the world. Oh, sir, had
rather die than"
"Hush" he interrupted. ut is wrong
| to talk thus. One so young and beau
tiful cannot be an outcast. You have
met with some great disappointment.
You will think better of this when yon
have given 1t calm second thought"
His low tone was as soft as moth
er's might have been. 1t fell with
soothing effect upon the excited crea-
;ure who turned her large, blue eyes
Al IL